By Robert 
As the IPL 2025 season hits its midway point, Gujarat Titans (GT) and Delhi Capitals (DC) find themselves in strong positions, despite contrasting team strategies. GT have secured four wins, while DC have edged ahead with five victories, with both teams having played six matches each. Their upcoming clash marks the official halfway milestone in their respective campaigns.
Gujarat Titans: Balanced and Bowling-Heavy
GT have followed a more traditional approach this season—a top-heavy batting line-up complemented by a strong bowling attack. Their campaign includes two wins while chasing and two when setting a target, underscoring their adaptability. Though their winning streak was halted by LSG, Shubman Gill’s team still looks like a well-rounded unit.
While Gill himself hasn’t quite hit top form, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler have picked up the slack with solid performances. On the bowling front, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammad Siraj have been consistent, while Sai Kishore has emerged as a valuable asset, despite a tough outing against Nicholas Pooran recently. Rashid Khan remains a key figure, even though his impact has been somewhat inconsistent.
Delhi Capitals: Resilient and Resourceful
DC come into this match riding high after a thrilling Super Over victory against Rajasthan Royals. Under Axar Patel’s leadership, the Capitals have shown grit, often pulling off wins from difficult positions.
Injuries have tested their depth—Faf du Plessis is still recovering, and Jake Fraser-McGurk has struggled for consistency. However, their middle order, led by a composed KL Rahul and the explosive Tristan Stubbs, has delivered. Ashutosh Sharma, who stunned fans with a magical knock in the opener, remains a wildcard in the line-up.
DC’s bowling attack leans heavily on spin, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the charge. Axar Patel is gradually regaining his rhythm post-injury, while Vipraj Nigam has been a revelation. The Narendra Modi Stadium’s large boundaries could play into their hands, depending on the surface used.
Match Details
- Match: Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals
- Date: April 19
- Time: 3:30 PM IST
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Pitch & Conditions
The Ahmedabad surfaces have largely favoured batters this season. Two matches on red-soil pitches saw scores over 200, while the black-soil track also produced a competitive 196. Bowlers, especially spinners and slower bowlers, have had some say on the black soil surfaces.
Head-to-Head
GT 2 – 3 DC
The matchup has been fairly even historically, with Delhi holding a slight edge.
Team News & Tactics
Gujarat Titans
- Unavailable: Kagiso Rabada remains absent due to personal reasons.
- Key Tactic: Rashid Khan vs KL Rahul could be a pivotal contest, with the Afghan spinner having dismissed Rahul thrice in 47 deliveries.
Probable XI:
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, R. Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
Delhi Capitals
- Injury Watch: Faf du Plessis is nearing fitness and could return. Kuldeep Yadav has a minor concern but is likely to feature.
- Key Tactic: Both Kuldeep and Axar have dismissed Buttler thrice each, making their spells crucial.
Probable XI:
Jake Fraser-McGurk/Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar.
Did You Know?
- GT openers have added the most runs (320) in the Powerplay this season, averaging 53.33. In contrast, DC openers have the fewest (126) at an average of just 21.
- Sai Sudharsan has the best Powerplay average in IPL history (min. 20 innings) — 105.0, with just 4 dismissals in 26 Powerplay innings.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk has struggled in this phase, crossing the Powerplay just 7 times in his last 29 T20 innings post-IPL 2024.
What They Said
“Our strike rotation in the middle wasn’t as good as we expected and it’s something we need to work on.”
– Shubman Gill on the loss to LSG
“As a captain, I have to take care of the team and the atmosphere. But it shouldn’t look like I’m taking things lightly. I’ve drawn that line.”
– Axar Patel on his leadership style
With both teams in strong form and eyeing a playoff push, expect a fierce contest at the Motera cauldron.
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